It's not that I have problem with this notion itself personally, but when it is used with a subtext of excuse for the problems, that's where I have issues.
e.g.
The company is going through great hardship, so we will have to mistreat you. You are part of our "family" so you understand and put up with that, right?
I've been in that situation many years ago and was frustrating.
I agree. I don't think always (or mostly) malicious or devious, it's just the owners and management are proud of having a good working environment. Hey, I much prefer good working environments than bad ones.
Having said that, the article is correct in that it doesn't really treat you like a family. If you did something they didn't like, they would more likely fire you than cut you a break like a family would. I mean take it for what it is, a description of a comfortable, good working environment and not a place that won't hesitate to fire you for the usual reasons.
I think calling it a family is slightly disingenuous or maybe hyperbole, but unless they are using it as power over you, I don't worry about it much. Like I said, it sure beats some alternatives.
Comments
It's not that I have problem with this notion itself personally, but when it is used with a subtext of excuse for the problems, that's where I have issues.
e.g. The company is going through great hardship, so we will have to mistreat you. You are part of our "family" so you understand and put up with that, right?
I've been in that situation many years ago and was frustrating.
I agree. I don't think always (or mostly) malicious or devious, it's just the owners and management are proud of having a good working environment. Hey, I much prefer good working environments than bad ones.
Having said that, the article is correct in that it doesn't really treat you like a family. If you did something they didn't like, they would more likely fire you than cut you a break like a family would. I mean take it for what it is, a description of a comfortable, good working environment and not a place that won't hesitate to fire you for the usual reasons.
I think calling it a family is slightly disingenuous or maybe hyperbole, but unless they are using it as power over you, I don't worry about it much. Like I said, it sure beats some alternatives.